Sometimes, even when we try to be conscious parents, we inadvertently hurt our kids’ feelings. We don’t do it on purpose, but they interpret something and the next thing we know, they are upset.

So what to do in response?

Take time to really listen: I take the time to curl up on the couch with my son (he still loves to snuggle, sometimes) and acknowledge his feelings, and see what’s really going on for him. It’s important, before I respond with “no I didn’t mean that, ” to understand his feelings.

Go overboard with the praise: Make an effort to to praise more than you correct. An article I read once said that, to have a successful relationship, the ratio needs to be five positive comments to every corrective/negative one. That’s really hard to do, even when you are trying.